Audit Semi Senior Review
at BDO
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Accounting
Birmingham
Review Submitted: June 2023
Overall Rating
4.6 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4.8/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
I mainly undertake the role of the audit senior on my audits. My role entails setting a workplan and auditing the more complex areas of the files as well as being the main point of contact for clients. I also coach junior members of the team and review their work to ensure it is satisfactory.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy some aspects of my programme. Namely, I enjoy the structure audits have, whilst also not being too monotonous as each audit is unique in its own way. I like working with clients of different industries and being able to gain a well rounded understanding of the entities and how they operate. The work load and balancing work and study is intense at times however and can be mentally and emotionally taxing.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Yes, beyond learning the technical skills I have required to be an auditor, I have also developed a wide range of skills such as managing large amounts of workload and responsibility, organising projects and planning resources. I have developed my team working and communication skills, as well as leadership and coaching.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
My programme is very well structured. I have set exams and set dates to complete my exams and any other assessments by. I have regular deadlines for work to be completed and feed back to be requested and then subsequently for my performance to be reviewed. There are multiple teams within BDO and BBP who handle varying aspects of the programme which means there is always somebody to provide guidance as needed.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I have received a lot of support from my employer. They have helped me both personally and professionally which is appreciated. I also have a good relationship with my counselling manager who regularly checks in with me and ensures I have all the support I need. The firm is very understanding and people are approachable so seeking help is easy.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The training provider provides learning materials, courses, a platform for queries to be asked of tutors and the tutors offer sometimes to answer queries and help out via email. I think the support is more limited if you are resitting an exam, unless you pay a fee for a revision course which is expensive.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My chartered accountancy qualification is fairly critical for my role, it helps me understand the technical aspect of my job and enables me to correctly interpret and apply accounting and auditing standards without which I would be unable to properly do my job. So the qualification is fairly vital for my role.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
I do not get involved in many extra curricular activities as I am mostly occupied with studying, my employer does however host a wide range of networking events and I have attended some social activities (busy season and christmas socials) hosted by my employer. It was nice engaging with my employer and colleagues outside the context of work.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BDO to a friend?
Yes
Why?
They are a reliable employer, provide you with necessary support, they can be understanding of personal circumstances, they have a wide range of clients of varying sizes so you are regularly exposed to various aspects of business in a multitude of industries, and they instil good work ethic in you from the start which helps you build discipline and a positive work attitude.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BDO?
Research the company and understand what service area you are applying for, why and why you're a good fit. Be honest and true to who you during the interview process and express why you think you would be a good contribution to the company and why the company would be a good fit for you.
